Simple Question: Which DA or SA .44 Magnum Revolver To Buy

[TrappedinCalifornia]

Years ago, I had a Smith & Wesson Model 29. I shot it in IPSC matches and even carried it concealed. Eventually, I got rid of it to a collector due to economic needs.

Recently, I've had an interest in picking up a new revolver. I'm okay with the Colt Officer's Model .38 Special, but I've never particularly cared for .357 Magnum, always finding .44 Special and .44 Magnum to have a superior feel, for me, when shooting.

I could be convinced to go with either blued or stainless. I'd prefer a minimum 4" barrel and a maximum 6" barrel. I'd like to keep the price in the 'reasonable' range, as in a $1,700 Colt Anaconda seems a bit 'unreasonable' pricewise.

So... Simple question... Which DA or SA .44 Magnum revolver is considered the best to purchase new?

Bear in mind I'm simply entertaining the idea at the moment, not necessarily 'seriously considering' a purchase.

[oddball]

If money was no object, Nighthawk/Korth, DA



But in real life terms, my own money would go to a Ruger Super Blackhawk SA

[jarhead714]

Just get a Taurus. There’s one in the marketplace for like 600 bucks. Me personally, Red Hawk, S&W 629, or Anaconda.

[newbie1234]

When I want to shoot .44 SPL/MAG I use SA Ruger Black Hawk, because even I have DA/SA revolver I always "cock" before shoot so that is SA. (why buy a DA/SA revolver and only shoot with SA). BTW, unless you reload the .44 ammo is $$$$.

[TheFlashG]

How about a Ruger Redhawk?
You could shoot some hot 'Ruger only' loads with that one, as well as standard Magnum and Special loads.
Could be an opportunity to 'tinker' with the trigger a bit too, if you want to improve or adjust.
They're solid revolvers and have a couple barrel length options in their current line-up.

[TrappedinCalifornia]

When I want to shoot .44 SPL/MAG I use SA Ruger Black Hawk, because even I have DA/SA revolver I always "cock" before shoot so that is SA. (why buy a DA/SA revolver and only shoot with SA). BTW, unless you reload the .44 ammo is $$$$.

Yep. I've reloaded headed for 50 years and .44 Special/Magnum was one of the original handgun cartridges I reloaded for. I still have my original dies. Today, I blanche at the price of factory loads. (I'm not overly thrilled with the price of components either; but, that's another topic.)

Shooting a DA as a SA-only is a decent argument. However, the standard reply is that by have a DA, you have options. Where I do agree is contingent upon the grip of the DA and the resultant hold on the revolver; i.e., whether it 'allows' for a smooth cocking of the firearm or if you are required to alter your entire grip to accomplish the action.

As I said, I'm not 'seriously' looking at the moment. What I am doing is seeking insight into the current market in terms of what's available since I haven't actively pursued revolvers or, more specifically, .44 caliber revolvers in a good while.

[foothillman]

Just get a Taurus. There’s one in the marketplace for like 600 bucks. Me personally, Red Hawk, S&W 629, or Anaconda.

Not easy to conceal
Picked up from old boss.
He used it for bore hunting.
Game hunter who finally ditched California.

Not a collector revolver so have no problem using.
Ammo is a little pricey but I shoot under 100rds when it goes out.
Think .75 CPR for cheap white box, out of State
SW has Ammo Inc @ 81CPR, in State
Always poke around and bulk buy.

[acaligunner]

Well, if you’re just going to use factory rounds basically any modern 44 is gtg.

If you’re into hunting, buy a super red hawk or super Blackhawk revolver that you can then use the Garrett super hard cast / +P solid rounds and you won’t mess up the timing with a revolver that can’t handle all dat.

[acaligunner]

If money was no object, Nighthawk/Korth, DA

OH ~ I’m really thinking about buying a Nighthawk Korth Mongoose ( 3” ) 357 magnum, to go with my Nighthawk 45 acp pistol. Oh yeah 😃

[acaligunner]

Also, CHECK each revolver you are thinking about buying, some of what’s out there may not be like the older more fine models of yesteryear. Inspect inspect inspect.

[D1911]

I've got a great gun for ya. A 5 1/2" stainless .44 Mag Redhawk that is super slick and in excellent shape. It'll be going up for sale in the near future so if you decide you'd be interested, let me know.

[DanGunner]

I love my S&W Model 69 five-round snubby. Handles full bore mags easily and shooting .44 special is almost recoil free. Compact enough to carry if you wish, loaded with .44SP defense loads.

[Ruber]

Glad to see the SW69 make the list. For the shorter barreled 44's, the 69 is my favorite. Over that, I like the Redhawks. Both have a great fun factor. At 4", the 69 handles well with good balance. At longer lengths, the Redhawk shines. Both of these are as accurate as I can shoot, have decent DA and great SA triggers, and don't break the bank.

[Capybara]

Glad to see the SW69 make the list. For the shorter barreled 44's, the 69 is my favorite. Over that, I like the Redhawks. Both have a great fun factor. At 4", the 69 handles well with good balance. At longer lengths, the Redhawk shines. Both of these are as accurate as I can shoot, have decent DA and great SA triggers, and don't break the bank.

Those are beauties. Do you know if either is also available in blue, I'm not a Stainless Steel guy.

[TrappedinCalifornia]

Glad to see the SW69 make the list. For the shorter barreled 44's, the 69 is my favorite. Over that, I like the Redhawks. Both have a great fun factor. At 4", the 69 handles well with good balance. At longer lengths, the Redhawk shines. Both of these are as accurate as I can shoot, have decent DA and great SA triggers, and don't break the bank.

What are the grips which show on the S&W 69?

It also looks like that one has the 'Hilary Hole' plugged. Any issues as a result?